Features

Dancing for a Difference

Written by Mike Thee

February 26, 2013

Seattle University students raised a record-breaking $42,663 for Children's Hospital at the sixth annual Dance Marathon this past weekend. Every penny of the proceeds will support the Uncompensated Care Program at Children's.

Nearly 300 dancers participated in the overnight event, which took place in Campion Ballroom. Participants set a goal of $30,000 for this year's marathon. Even before the dancing began on Saturday, Feb. 23, they had already raised nearly $27,000. The final tally was nearly double the $23,000 that was raised at last year's Dance Marathon.

"The Dance Marathon was a huge success this year," said Bernie Liang, director of student activities. "For 16 hours, dancers, morale captains and the Dance Marathon steering committee danced, played games and heard stories from the patients and families from Seattle Children's Hospital. To say that I am proud of our students is an understatement."

The overnight event featured food, games, a silent auction (featuring, among other items, a signed Russell Wilson football, Westin Hotel stay) and of course, a whole lot of dancing. A number of visitors swung by to offer moral support, including members of the men's basketball team.

SU is one of the pioneer schools on the west coast to start a dance marathon as a student-driven fundraiser, and others are now following suit.